The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu, has initiated the relocation of his office from the Edo State Government House to a new location, despite recently withdrawing a lawsuit filed against Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shuaibu’s decision to move his office comes after he withdrew a legal suit filed at the Federal High Court, which aimed to halt alleged plots by Governor Obaseki to remove him from office.
The new office is situated at No. 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, near the Government House.
Sources close to the deputy governor revealed that a letter from the Head of Service instructed the Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Governor’s Office to oversee the relocation of civil servants and files to the new office.
However, the new office space faces several challenges, including the absence of electricity, waterlogging, and limited office space.
The state government has asserted that the deputy governor’s new office is still within the boundaries of the Government House.
Despite Shuaibu’s withdrawal of the lawsuit, his office and staff have been relocated from the Government House to a building previously occupied by the Edo State Procurement Agency.
Security personnel were present at the new location, and some civil servants were seen moving into the facility.
An aide to Shuaibu confirmed the move, saying, “We have been told to move, and we have started the movement today.
The memo was sent directly to the Permanent Secretary, and it was a two-paragraph memo from the Head of Service. The civil servants are moving today, but we may move before the end of the week.”
Shuaibu’s decision to withdraw the lawsuit was influenced by various stakeholders, including religious leaders, prominent Edo residents, and traditional rulers, who intervened in the matter.
His statement acknowledging the withdrawal of the lawsuit expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the peace initiatives and also appreciated Governor Obaseki for choosing the path of peace.
In the statement, Shuaibu stated, “I wish to sincerely thank and appreciate these well-meaning Nigerians, Party Leaders, Traditional Rulers, and my Archbishop, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Akubeze, for their kind words, advice, and encouragement thus far in ensuring peace and unity in our dear State Edo.”
